The widely predicted Election Meltdown of 2004 didn't happen. There were glitches across the map —
voters directed to the wrong polling places, voting machines that malfunctioned, sporadic vandalism and a few dust-ups over
partisan challenges to voters' eligibility. And the heaviest turnout in decades meant long lines in many places, with waits
of two hours or more. ...

... Over one million provisional ballots were reportedly cast in Section 203 covered jurisdictions, and correspondingly,
there was a higher incidence of provisional ballots cast in Section 203 covered jurisdictions than those jurisdictions not
covered. The rate of counting the provisional ballots was slightly higher in Section 203 jurisdictions, but could not offset
the much higher incidence of casting provisional ballots.

On a related note, predominantly Hispanic jurisdictions had the highest rate of casting provisional ballots,
followed by predominantly non-Hispanic Native American jurisdictions. While the counting of provisional ballots was highest
in predominantly Hispanic jurisdictions, predominantly non-Hispanic Native American jurisdictions had a counting rate under
50 percent.

Higher incidences of casting provisional ballots can also be found in urban and high population density
areas, but these jurisdictions also had higher rates of counting provisional ballots. Rates of counting provisional ballots
also tended to increase with the income and education level within a jurisdiction.

What happens to the provisional ballots??Within three business days,
the county board of elections will examine each ballot envelope to determine if the individual voter was entitled to vote
at that district at the time of the election.? If the individual was entitled to cast their vote as such, the signature on
the ballot envelope will be compared to the signature that voter submitted upon registration.? If the signatures match, the
ballot will be counted as usual.? In addition, if the voter is determined to have been eligible to vote, but not at the election
district where the ballot was cast, that portion of the ballot that the individual would have been eligible to vote in his
proper election district will still be counted.? A free access system, reachable by toll-free phone call or through the internet,
will be available to voters who wish to track the status of their provisional ballots and will provide reasons for all provisional
ballots that are eventually rejected.